Customer Reviews

GE 35027 AC/DC Cassette Recorder

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Here's some additional info on this recorder that may help you make your decision. It's really about 2/3 the size of other shoe box recorders. The GE website lists its dimensions as 4.7"W x 1.5"H x 7.38"D, which is about 3" shorter in depth than others. The buttons seemed smaller than full sized models too. The recorder doesn't accept AC power directly. Instead, it comes with an AC adapter, the type where the transformer attaches directly to the wall and a thin wire goes from the transformer to the recorder. It also accepts 4 "C" batteries. The recorder contains jacks for mic and earphone too.

I've seen the GE recorder, but I've not actually used one. Giving it the benefit of the doubt, I rated it 4 stars, but I personally opted for the Panasonic RQ-2102 shoe box recorder instead. I chose the Panasonic because I always use AC power, not batteries, and I've had problems with AC adapters in the past (the thin wire goes bad or the power connector doesn't fit snugly in the recorder or the transformer blocks the whole outlet). The Panasonic accepts AC directly via the supplied AC cord. I was also concerned about the button size on the GE given that I don't have small hands.

The smaller size of the GE is probably very beneficial to people who prefer the shoe box style but have limited space requirements. It also seems targeted for people who prefer batteries over AC.

My brother has one of these, which I'm using now. It gets the job done with no frills. I can't speak about the internal mic, as he bought an external one from Radio Shack also. It is true that this is smaller than other shoebox recorders. It runs from DC power only, which explains the plug-in transformer which must be used. Personally, I'd rather have a regular AC cord in with the power supply built into the recorder. That design doesn't hog so much room on power strips. If you're buying the shoebox style, you're probably not all that concerned with the size. What you want in the shoebox style is a desktop-friendly design, right? Well to me this isn't it. For one thing, when pressing the buttons, you have to hold the rear end of the recorder down since the buttons are so stiff. Anyway, the thing doesn't reek of quality, but for $..., it's not bad at all.

I bought this tape recorder for use as a study aid, and it has performed very well for this purpose. I like the fact that it uses full size cassette tapes, as they are readily available, and can be played back on any standard player. I have made several tapes, and have played them back in different decks with good results. The only thing I would recommend is the addition of an external microphone, as the internal mic seems to be too sensitive. It actually picks up noise from the tape drive mechanism. If this unit cost a lot of money, this would be a serious flaw, but for just over twenty bucks it didn't seem like a big deal to me. I picked up a decent mic at Radio Shack for around ten dollars, and recording quality is now flawless.

I have to say, based on the above review I purchased two of these for my family. I use them to hear lectures and for homeschooling too. It is a much slimmer and smaller model compared to old ones. I am happy with this purchase!

I have been looking for a traditional shoebox tape recorder for a few years, and have only managed to stumble upon them at {a local store], where the sight of their prices scared me from my hunt for a shoebox recorder.
That was until I first saw this superior GE prouduct. It was at one of my choir practices, and I immediately searched out this product on the Internet...!! What an incredible price!!
And this offers most of the same features as [the other stores]... models: built-in condenser mic, counter, full jacks, speaker, ALC and carry handle! In your face ...!

I never learn...pay more for better quality...
I bought the GE recorder and as others have said, the sound is horrible, muffled and hissing. So I paid $10 more for an external mic, with very little improvement.

So I bought the Sony recorder, for only $5 more than the GE!, and the sound is immensely better. And the built-in mic on the Sony is even better than with an external mic.

Avoid the GE...pay only $5 more and get the Sony, which has automatic shutoff and a carrying handle, both which the GE doesn't.

I bought this unit because the Sony unit was not in stock, other reviews indicated that it was slightly smaler than a standard shoebox recorder which for me is good. I always use batteries so the wall-wart style AC adaptor was not an issue for me.

Unfortunatly the unit has issues.

First the unit uses AA batteries instead of C cells. This makes it smaller, but C cells last a LOT longer than AA's. Also the internal mic is awfull, lots of tape noise. All recorders will have some tape noise but this is really bad. I never had that problem with my trusty old Radio Shack Model.

In order to get any utility out of this I will have to pick up an external mic, which brings the total up past $30. If I had wanted to spend that much I could have just gone to Radio Shack.

This recorder at first was pretty good for the price, but the plug for the AC adaptor shorted, so I had to throw it out. I probably had it for a little over a year and did not use it frequently. I did not drop or misuse it. I'm going to try the Panasonic next.

I am finishing my dissertation.. and I recorded interviews with a handheld and I have been using this tape player from a friend.. and for playback it rocks. i was using a transcriber with footpedal and I never thought I would use a tape player. but the shoebox design makes it okay but more importantly I can hear so much more on this tape player than I could on the transcribers. For transcribing it does have a pretty big backspace (ie.. when I hit return for a second, it really rewinds)but I think it has great sound. My only advice - don't do interviews at Starbucks! :)

I've been using this product for years, this is my second one. The first lasted about 2 years, this one's going on 3 years and it's still working fine.

I just need something that records my voice, doesn't have to be high quality recording. My words come out clear, it's got a counter, comes with an AC adaptor, built in mic works fine...perfect!